Mahindra wins CIV constructors', riders' title

Mumbai, Sep 23 (IANS) Mahindra Racing created history by winning the constructors' title in the Moto3 class (250cc) of the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (CIV).

The final race of the season concluded at the Mugello Circuit Sunday where the team won the title after last year, when they had won the 125cc crown.

Mahindra Racing riders Andrea Locatelli and Michael Rinaldi also wrapped up the season with a first and second place finish in the riders' championship.

"This historic victory at the CIV marks a new high for Mahindra Racing in its journey towards becoming a global motorsports brand. Winning the constructors title for the second year in a row in this competitive series is also a remarkable achievement for Indian motorsport and we are very proud to have played our part in making it happen," said Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra.

Commenting on the win, Mahindra Racing chief executive Mufaddal Choonia said, "Last year, we created history by winning the constructors title in CIV for the first time. Today, we have won the competition for the second year in a row and are thrilled with our success. This is a significant achievement for us, considering that our MGP3O bike is still in its first year of development. We hope to continue to do well and rise to greater heights."

Championship winner Locatelli said, "We fought all the way through the season and finally we can say we're the Italian champions. The race was all about getting it done. I really didn't want to waste my chances with a silly mistake. Mahindra Racing have done an incredible job and gave me the perfect bike."

Wrapping up the championship in second place, Rinaldi said, "I'm happy because I gave my best and rode my Mahindra as hard as I could. It's been an amazing season and I would like to thank Mahindra Racing and everyone who has supported me. I would like also to congratulate my teammate for the well deserved title."

In the 2013 season, the team entered the Moto3 (250cc - 4 stroke) class with 16-year-old Locatelli and Rinaldi, 17. Throughout the championship, the riders pulled off hard-fought podium finishes in 10 gruelling rounds with some fantastic double podiums and top-two finishes.